CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Mental health a focus at Teacher’s Convention

Feb 22, 2019 | 3:28 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A Canadian broadcaster spoke to teachers in Medicine Hat on Friday, telling teachers about the importance of open dialogue and discussion around mental health.

Michael Landsberg, who hosted Off The Record for 18 years, was the keynote speaker at the Southeastern Alberta Teacher’s Convention at Medicine Hat College on Friday. Landsberg, who has been diagnosed with depression, has become an advocate for speaking about mental health and mental illness.

“We all face the same thing, and that is understanding that this illness can be treated, that this illness is not a reflection of our weakness,” Landsberg said. “It’s not self-inflicted. It’s something that can hit us, whether we think were vulnerable or not.”

During the convention, several sessions for teachers focused on the topic of mental wellness. Reports from Alberta Health Services say one in five Albertans are impacted by mental illness or mental health concerns, which often manifests itself for the first time in childhood or adolescence.

Tim Johnson is the vice-principal of Connaught School, and has been teaching for 29 years. He says mental health concerns and struggles have become more visible in the classroom.

“We’re seeing not only our teachers saying that they’re struggling with mental health issues, but our students as well in the classrooms,” he said. “We’re noticing more anxiety and struggles in the classroom as well.”

Johnson believes increased use of technology by students is one of the reasons they’re seeing more kids struggling with their mental health.

He says there are several symptoms teachers often see in the classroom that indicates kids may be  having problems.

“I would say they struggle with problem solving a little more,” he said. “Some kids will be a little more aggressive, than being able to hold things in. They’re definitely not afraid to share their negative feelings.”

Johnson says its important for students and parents to be able to have an open dialogue about how they are feeling.

Johnson adds teachers are also struggling as a result of technology not allowing them any down time from the classroom.

“Our job is 24/7 now,” he said. “We do get emails in the evening, and sometimes, because we love our jobs, we don’t take the time to balance our lives as well.”

For teachers, Johnson notes district offices and schools have mental health plans and coordinators encouraging teachers to take care of their mental well-being.

During the convention, the importance of being open and talking about mental health issues was mentioned as one of the most important things people can do to help break the stigma.

“The more you talk about mental illness, the more people feel comfortable with it, the more empowered they are to share their own struggles,” Landsberg said. “The more they share their own struggles, the more help they get. The more help they get, the healthier they are. It’s really simple. Talk changes lives.”

“It’s not a stigma, it’s real,” said Johnson. “You’ve seen the Bell, Let’s Talk commercial, so I think getting that publicity out there makes people feel comfortable about reaching out for the help, instead of keeping it in.”

-If you are struggling with mental health, call the province’s Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.